HEADSHOT SESSION PLANNING GUIDE
welcome
Thank you for choosing our studio for this incredibly special photo shoot! We are a full-service portrait studio that is dedicated to serving you with stress-free portraits, timeless photography and handcrafted heirlooms for your home We can’t wait to make your portrait experience simple, tending to the details for you. We are so honored to tell your unique story and help you make a lasting impression.
Our mission is to provide small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives with relaxed headshot and personal branding experiences that will result in images that communicate your story to your specific audience. Images you'll be proud to use to update your website, LinkedIn, Social Media, or dating profile.
It is our great joy to uncover that spark of passion within each and every one of our clients. Your talents, your personality, and your determined spirit deserve the spotlight.
Our work together starts with our expert guided process. We’ll go beyond the basic-- exploring the who, what, and why of your unique business calling. Our team is here to serve you with professional makeup, personal brand coaching, and always- attentive portrait posing to help you look and feel your best!
You love what you do. Now is the time to show it to the world! I can’t wait to showcase the real you with business portraits you can be proud of. This guide will help showcase what is possible for your portraits, everything we do together is completely custom-designed for you, your taste and your lifestyle. We can't wait to create something amazing just for you.
& THE IDALIA TEAM
The Headshot Exper ence
REVIEW PLANNING GUIDE
HAIR AND MAKEUP
SAME DAY REVEAL & ORDERING APPT.
PLAN YOUR 3 OUTFITS
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
GUIDED IMAGE SELECTION
ENJOY YOUR PHOTOS!
beyond THE BUSINESS CARD
IMAGES FOR ALL YOUR MARKETING NEEDS
USE THE LIST BELOW TO INSPIRE
A SHOT LIST FOR YOUR SESSION
LARGER THAN LIFE
Car wraps
Life-size cutout
Billboard
BOOKS/ MAGAZINES
Book Cover
Dust Jacket Image
Contributor Photo
Featured/ Hero Shot
PRESENTATIONS
BIO pic (various moods)
Audience interaction
Live Performance
WEBSITE & BROCHURES
Environmental Portraits
Behind the Scenes
Company at work
Client interaction
Group shots/ Team Shots
About You/ Family Shots
Client as Hero (show the win)
SOCIAL
MEDIA
Facebook Cover Photo
Profile Pic- Head & Shoulders
Personality/ Expression Shots
Flat Lays- Tools of the Trade
But first: Identify your target audience and photo usage.
Before you start planning your session, let’s first make sure you know who your audience is. Who will see these photos? How do you want to appear to your audience?
Knowing exactly who your target audience is will allow you to not only streamline your marketing but it’s also so helpful for figuring out where your session will take place and what you ’ re going to wear for your photo session. How do you want your images to feel? Casual and approachable? Professional and elevated? Formal and corporate?
If you don’t yet know who your ideal client is, take out a notebook and answer the questions on the following pages.
Brainstorming Guide
DESCRIBE THE GENDER, AGE, LOCATION, ETHNICITY, OCCUPATION OF YOUR IDEAL CLIENT / AUDIENCE.
Review the answers to the above question and use them to help you decide what you might wear to appeal to your audience. Use these details to guide you towards casual or formal wardrobe ideas.
WHAT
ARE THEIR
VALUES AND LIFE GOALS?
The answers to this question should help you identify commonalities with your audience, which can help you bring more of your personality out in a personal branding session. Do your clients value family? Perhaps one of your photos should include your family too! That will help them connect with you more.
WHAT ARE YOUR THEIR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS?
Do your clients play tennis, just like you? Maybe one of your photo locations should be at the tennis court. Do your clients love the beach? Perhaps we should make a stop at your favorite beach. These types of photos are perfect for an About page that is meant to connect with your clients outside of what you do professionally.
WHERE DOES YOUR IDEAL CLIENT OR AUDIENCE SHOP?
This is helpful to know what types of items you may want to include in your shoot A health coach may want to have a few images taken at their favorite health foods store or maybe shopping at the farmer’s market. Think outside the box to make your session images unique!
WHERE DOES YOUR IDEAL CLIENT OR AUDIENCE HANG OUT ONLINE?
If your audience is in the corporate world and is on LinkedIn vs. Tik Tok we’ll need a more formal look to your headshots.
If you ’ re a wedding planner looking to connect with brides, you’ll want to be approachable - Reels and TikTok is where it’s at with this group!
WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL CLIENT OR AUDIENCE STRUGGLE WITH? IDENTIFY HIS/HER PAIN POINTS.
If you ’ re updating your dating profile, your audience may be full of men looking for a soul mate to spend their every day life with because they’re lonely. You may want to take some images right in your home to help them picture themselves with you on a cozy Friday night.
If you ’ re a yoga coach, your client is probably concerned with their physical health. You may want to take some images that show off how you will help them achieve better physical health.
WHAT TYPE OF SESSION DO YOU NEED?
At Idalia Photography, we offer three types of sessions for professionals and business owners: the personal branding session, the custom headshot session, and the headshot mini.
The Personal Branding Session
The Personal Branding Session is for those who need a complete re-haul of their online presence with a bunch of new photos for your website, social media, marketing materials, etc. at multiple locations in multiple outfits. These sessions are also perfect for clients who need to update their dating profile and showcase the *real you* at the places where you typically spend time.
I sit down with you for a full-on in-person planning session in your home to identify your target audience and make sure we create images that speak specifically to them. We plan out your location(s), outfits for each location, and create a complete and custom experience.
personalBRANDING
Personal Branding Sessions include:
ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS
carefully selected/ staged scene environment enhances your story on-location
The Custom Session
The Custom Headshot Session is for those who want a custom experience but don't need all the bells and whistles of a Personal Branding Session. Custom clients already have images they're proud of, they just need a refresh, or a yearly update. Custom clients pick one location (studio or on-location) and we do the entire session there. The session includes the in-person planning appointment in your home.
custom
HEADSHOTS
Custom Headshot Sessions include:
LIFESTYLE PORTRAITS
carefully selected/ staged scene use of props enhances your story can be done in studio or on-location
The Headshot Mini
The Headshot Mini is for those who just want to stop by the studio for a few images. These Limited Edition Sessions take place at our studio in Point Pleasant, NJ. While we don't include a custom planning appointment for these shorter sessions, we do include several backdrop options.
studio
HEADSHOTS
The Headshot Mini includes:
STUDIO PORTRAITS
the signature headshot distraction-free; focus on faces viewer connects directly with you done in the studio only
signature
HEADSHOT
The most frequently used shot in your image marketing toolkit is your signature portrait. It’s the goal of the Headshot Mini and can be included in Personal Branding and Custom Sessions, too!
The right image: looks clean & uncluttered grabs the viewer features winning connection
Use this image on your LinkedIn profile pic, email signature, your business card portrait, or any where else where you need to make a great first impression!
Does your firm or company require a specific background color? Did they give you specific lighting requirements? Be sure to communicate that to us in advance so that we can be prepared!
team HEADSHOTS
Capture Your Team's Essence: Elevate Your Brand with Professional Headshots
Team Headshots are structured as back-to-back Headshot Mini Sessions on one day and at one location. Depending on the size of your group, time constraints, and your budget, these sessions may be shorter than the typical Headshot Mini and may or may not include hair/makeup.
schedule DETAILS
Personal Branding & Custom Sessions
Custom sessions include an in-person styling consultation and planning appointment so that we can create a custom session just for you, based on your specific needs and location. Based on that, we’ll create a custom timeline for your session. We’ll schedule your planning appointment as soon as possible so that we can start preparing!
The Headshot Mini
Below is a tentative, approximate schedule of our time together. This is flexible and adjustable depending on how much time is needed for each outfit/look.
Arrival: Please feel free to arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment so that you’re ready to go at your scheduled start time.
Hair/Makeup: 60 minutes
Portrait Session: 30-45 minutes with up to 3 different looks/outfits
Same Day Reveal and Ordering Appointment: 15 minutes
wardrobe TIPS FOR WOMEN
CHOOSE FITTED CLOTHING Fitted articles of clothing are always nice whereas baggy clothes won’t be as flattering. For a slimmer look, form fitting & figure-hugging is best.
ADD LAYERS. Add a form fitting jacket or slim knit cardigan.
LOOK for a variety of necklines to mix up your looks.
SELECT JEWELRY that speaks to your style. Subtle or bold? Bring the pieces that are true to you.
BRING coordinating bottoms. Many shots are 3/4 length. Bring pants or skirts that match your tops.
BRING appropriate undergarments. Foundational pieces (like shapewear) will help you look and feel great!
AVOID PATTERNS. They detract from your face.
THINK TEXTURES. Textures like lace, ruffles, sequins & ruching add visual interest.
BRING a variety of colors. Something light. Something dark. A pop of color that brings out your eyes.
AVOID cap sleeves. Sleeveless is great on toned arms. 3/4 sleeves are universally flattering and slimming.
wardrobe TIPS FOR MEN
For a TRIMMER look, opt for slim-fit shirts and jackets.
KEEP patterns to a minimum. Print ties and pin stripes are okay.
LOOK for layers. Add a form-fitting jacket or v-neck sweater to vary your look.
BRING a variety of colors. Something light. Something dark. A pop of color that brings out your eyes.
Long sleeves are always preferred to short sleeves for a clean, polished look Prefer casual? Rolled sleeves do the trick!
A collared shirt and suit is a must for stylish professionals.
BRING coordinating bottoms. Many shots are 3/4 length.
BRING coordinating shoes and socks. Footwear may come into frame with seated poses.
PREPARE your favorite accessories. Watches, cuff links, glasses and pocket squares should be clean and presentable.
COME with clean, manicured nails. Hands come into frame a lot so make sure yours are camera-ready.
prepTIPS
HYDRATE AND BE MINDFUL OF YOUR FOOD At least two days before your shoot, drink plenty of water, and avoid foods that might make you feel super bloated on your shoot.
KEEP FACE and LIPS MOISTURIZED. This will help your makeup and lip color apply more evenly and look much better in your pictures Bring your own lipstick for touching up
GET MANICURE/PEDICURE. Your nails and toes will be in some of your favorite poses, so please take time to have them done, preferably in a neutral color.
For a STRESS-FREE morning, PACK all clothing/accessories the night before.
CLEAN AND PRESS CLOTHING IN ADVANCE. (Steamer is available for touchups.)
PACK undergarments: strapless bra, seamless nude bra, shapewear.
DON’T do anything that’s not part of your usual beauty routine. No spray tan. No radical hair color change. No facials, fillers, or botox within one week of scheduled shoot.
TOUCH UP roots in advance.
shoot dayTIPS
Kickstart your hairstyle with a good blowout. Arrive with clean, dry hair.
Arrive with clean, moisturized skin. No makeup. Our makeup artist will create your fresh face.
You may leave your makeup at home or bring signature colors if you wish.
Get a good night’s sleep and don’t forget to eat a healthy breakfast.
Can’t wait to get you camera-ready!
before
after
yourREVEAL
Seeing your images for the first time deserves to be a special moment, so every single photographic experience with us includes a personalized Reveal and our undivided attention.
After your session, we’ll pull up your images on the big screen and help you narrow down to your absolute best images that meet your needs and budget. On the SAME DAY as your session! Because who wants to wait the typical 2-week wait time for headshots?
We will help you every step of the way – from final image selections to designing the pages of any album and/or artwork you may want to purchase for your walls. We’re happy to share our expert opinion so that you are confident about the investment you ’ re making.
SELECTION MADESIMPLE
EXPERT GUIDED ORDERING
1
STEPONE: REVIEWALLIMAGES
After your shoot, we’ll fire up your images for review. Personalized Reveal will keep the session stress-free.
2
3
We’ll help you compare the images and, together, we’ll identify the best of the best and make it easy for you to choose your favorite images.
STEPTWO: STEPTHREE: FINDYOURFAVES PURCHASEWHATYOULOVE!
Your selected images will be sent straight into production: final retouching. You’re just days away from your best portraits ever!
All purchased images will be retouched and provided as high resolution digitals.
Additional images, matted folios, albums, and wall art available at the Reveal and Ordering Appointment
Thank
you
Thank you for choosing me to capture this season. I can’t wait to work with you. Feel free to email me at info@idaliaphotography.com with any questions during the planning stage!
All the best, alex